Donner Hare Scramble
Conquering the boulders!
My Epic Ride at the 2019 Donner Hare Scramble
Hey there, fellow dirt-devourers and adrenaline seekers! Kari here, and I’m stoked to share my thrilling adventure at the 2019 Donner Hare Scramble. This race, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Donner Pass wilderness, was an off-road enthusiast’s dream come true.
Motivation and Race Prep: What pushed me to take on the Donner Hare Scramble? Well, it had been a while since I’d hit the racing circuit, and the lure of this event was irresistible. The prospect of navigating rocky terrains, single tracks, and technical challenges was just too exciting to pass up.
As for training, I mostly stuck to my usual routine, but here’s where I goofed up – I decided to jet my 2018 KTM 250 XC and adjust my suspension the night before the race. That made the first lap a whole lot tougher than it needed to be.
Race Day Thrills: The atmosphere on race day was simply electric. The Donner Hare Scramble has transformed into a Hard Enduro race now, and I would’ve loved to compete in that if it wasn’t for my cross-country move and the logistics of getting my bike to Truckee. But back to race day – it was a sight to behold.
Now, let’s talk terrain. The course was a thing of beauty, with vast rock slabs, boulder fields, steep hill climbs, winding single tracks, sandy stretches, and dense forests. It threw every type of challenge at you.
Photos from the Start of Donner
Taking on Challenging Terrain: I’m a fan of Enduro racing and technical terrain, so I felt right at home with the rocky sections and boulder fields. My background in tight Alberta tree riding definitely came in handy. However, the last-minute changes to my bike, the new gear I wore (which, unfortunately, didn’t have the stretch I was used to), and the exhaustion from the race did make things interesting.
While there weren’t any unexpected course challenges, the entire race was a relentless test of endurance and skill.
Competitors and Performance: I didn’t know any of the competitors personally at that time, so I was there purely to enjoy the event. No rivalries or close battles developed, and the competitive field didn’t have a significant impact on my race strategy or performance.
Crossing the Finish Line: As I approached the finish line, I was beyond exhausted. It hit me once again that I needed to up my endurance game – riding for over three hours straight without breaks isn’t easy. But the sense of accomplishment was undeniable.
I secured first place in the Women’s B Vet category, a satisfying result considering my primary goal was to have fun and finish.
Race Takeaways: Looking back at the 2019 Donner Hare Scramble, I couldn’t help but realize that no matter what I do, I’m never quite fit enough. The race served as a reminder that cardio and overall fitness are essential for endurance events like these.
The Donner Hare Scramble Experience: The day before the race, I had the opportunity to explore the beautiful Donner Pass region, accompanied by my trusty pup, Tyr. It was a fantastic experience and the perfect way to soak in the pre-race vibes.
For those considering participating in the Donner Hare Scramble in the future, here’s my advice: If you’re into Enduro or hard Enduro racing, don’t miss it. The Donner Ski Ranch terrain is unlike anything else, and now that it’s part of the AMA West Hard Enduro Series, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to pass up.
So, there you have it – my exhilarating journey through the 2019 Donner Hare Scramble. Until next time, keep the throttle twisted and the adventure alive! 🏁💨
